Palmeiras vs Flamengo: The Race to Four in a Historic Copa Libertadores Final

Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025 Venue: Estadio Monumental, Lima, Peru

For the eighth time in nine years, the Copa Libertadores trophy will remain in Brazil. But this Saturday’s final in Lima is far more than just a confirmation of national dominance—it is the ultimate tiebreaker between South America’s two modern superpowers.

Palmeiras and Flamengo are meeting to decide who becomes the first Brazilian club in history to lift the Copa Libertadores for a fourth time. With both sides sitting on three titles, the winner at the Estadio Monumental will officially claim the title of Brazil’s greatest continental dynasty.

A Rivalry Redefined: The “Superclásico” of the Modern Era

This matchup is the gold standard of South American football. Since 2019, these two clubs have monopolized the continent, winning five of the last six Libertadores titles between them.

The history here is heavy. Fans will vividly remember the 2021 final in Montevideo, where Palmeiras edged Flamengo 2-1 in extra time thanks to Deyverson’s opportunistic goal. For Flamengo, this is a chance for revenge on the biggest stage. For Palmeiras, it is an opportunity to cement their status as the team that simply knows how to win finals.

The backdrop is fitting: Lima, Peru. This is the same stadium where Flamengo’s modern renaissance began in 2019 with that miraculous comeback against River Plate. They will hope the “Ghosts of Lima” are on their side once again.

The Global Stars: A European Showcase in South America

What sets this final apart is the sheer caliber of talent on display. Both front offices have aggressively recruited global stars, creating squads that could comfortably compete in Europe’s top leagues.

Flamengo’s “Galácticos”: Under the management of club legend Filipe Luís, Flamengo has assembled a frightening roster. The headline act is the midfield engine room, now marshaled by Jorginho. The Italian-Brazilian former Arsenal and Chelsea star controls the tempo, allowing Giorgian de Arrascaeta—who is enjoying perhaps his best-ever season—the freedom to create.

• Key Additions: The defense has been bolstered by full-backs Alex Sandro (ex-Juventus) and Emerson Royal (ex-Tottenham), bringing elite European pedigree to the backline.

Palmeiras’s Powerhouse: The narrative of the final, however, belongs to Andreas Pereira. In a script seemingly written by the football gods, the midfielder whose error cost Flamengo the 2021 title is now the creative heartbeat of Palmeiras. His transfer from Fulham to the Verdão has been the story of the year, and a win here would be the ultimate redemption arc.

• The Attack: He feeds a lethal attack led by Vitor Roque. The “Little Tiger,” has been electric, forming a devastating partnership with Argentine target man José “Flaco” López.

Tactical Preview & Probable Lineups

Palmeiras (4-1-2-3): Coach Abel Ferreira is the longest-serving manager in Brazil and a master of knockout football. Expect a disciplined, high-intensity approach that looks to exploit space behind Flamengo’s attacking full-backs.

• Probable XI: Carlos Miguel; Khellven, Gustavo Gómez, Murilo, Piquerez; Bruno, Andreas Pereira, Raphael Veiga; Allan, Vitor Roque, Flaco López.

Flamengo (4-2-3-1): Filipe Luís favors possession and control. The battle will be won or lost in midfield, where he will ask Jorginho to suffocate Palmeiras and feed the attack. With striker Pedro missing, , expect Gabriel Barbosa (Gabigol) or Bruno Henrique to step up.

• Probable XI: Agustín Rossi; Danilo, Léo Pereira, Varela, Alex Sandro; Jorginho, Erick Pulgar, , Arrascaeta; Bruno Henrique, Everton, Carrascal.

Predictions and Odds

The bookmakers see this as razor-thin, with Flamengo entering as slight favorites due to their star-studded depth and recent league form.

• Flamengo Win: 2.40
• Palmeiras Win: 2.90
• Draw (90 mins): 3.10

Expert Verdict: Flamengo has the superior individual talent, but Palmeiras possesses a collective mental fortitude that is unmatched in South America. Abel Ferreira’s side thrives as the underdog.

• Prediction: A tense, tactical affair decided by a single moment of brilliance. Palmeiras 1-0 Flamengo, with Vitor Roque scoring the winner to deny Flamengo’s revenge.